Important Things to Know Before Hosting Socially Distant Events
In the ever-evolving world of events, where the landscape is constantly changing, safety precautions are now at the forefront of event planning. In order to make guests and employees feel more comfortable when attending larger gatherings at event venues, planners need to make sure they are taking safety measures seriously. At Ovation, providing a safe environment is a top priority for us, so we compiled a list of ways to adapt to socially distant events.
Starting With the Basics
In this day and age, there are so many simple safety precautions you can take in order to make guests who attend feel safe. Making sure hand sanitizer is readily available and hand-washing stations or bathrooms are easily accessible, will promote an openly clean environment.
It would also be in the best interest of the event, to have a written out and communicated plan for medical responses if something were to happen at an event. This reduces the risk of liability and once again, keeps your attendees safe.
High-risk Touchpoints
Whether it is a concert venue, party venue, or simply a venue for social events, it’s important to assess where the high touchpoint areas of your event are. This allows you to manage and problem-solve for those areas and keep your guests as safe as possible. In order for these precautions to be effective, having a strategic communication plan to deliver to your attendees is just as important as implementing them, to begin with.
Being in the event space industry, managing a wide variety of different types of events, we can help you identify the key, high touchpoint areas at your event venue and better assess how to take appropriate safety measures.
Creative Twist to Your Event
In order to acclimate and adapt to the new world we live in, it is important to think outside of the box when it comes to how your events are hosted. Ideas that used to be super successful at events could now flop due to our precautious nature. In order to make sure your event runs smoothly, adding creative twists that allow for people to come together while socially distancing is crucial. Take for example the monotonous task of standing in line. Rather than having stickers that read “6 feet apart” what if you could add a cool digital projection that was interactive, making the person want to stay in that spot while staying entertained.
This is just one example of many that we can explore as we start planning an event.
Virtual Tools at Your Fingertips
With all of the virtual technology we have readily available to us, there are endless opportunities to create touch-free experiences. From ticket purchases and dedicated time slots for your event to virtual video experiences and digital event maps, you can provide streamlined experiences that allow guests and employees to stay socially distanced and safe.
Flexibility with Back-Up Plans
As we navigate the terrain of events, trying to find a new “normal,” it is important to be flexible when it comes to event planning. Making sure you have a plan B and a Plan C will ensure you are set up for success. People are nervous and uncertain, so planning ahead and having things like a flexible arrangement in case fewer people show up than expected, or a virtual zoom option where people can join if they decided they no longer want to attend in-person, is important.
With these ways we just provided on how to adjust to socially distant events, we hope you feel more comfortable as you start to explore the landscape. We are more than happy to help you problem-solve through these additional challenges as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Will your event be less successful over zoom?
A. Not if done properly. With a focus on the digital component of your event, there can be numerous interactive touchpoints throughout your event that engage with your digital audience directly. Keeping them in mind during the planning process is crucial.
Q. What if I don’t have a lot of experience with digital tools?
A. No problem, with an entire event planning company behind us, we have no problem helping you navigate which digital tools would be the best for your event. Doing a little bit of research as well can help steer you in the right direction.
Q. How do you assess what safety precautions you need at your event?
A. That will be deciphered through an event plan and a great team that assesses your needs based on the type of event. We are always willing to review event plans with clients and suggest safety precautions where we see fit.